Device for viewing transparencies



July 30, 1940. F THORNTON. JR

DEVICE FOR VIEWING TRANSPARENCIES Filed July 28, 19 38 4 Sheets-Sheet l WITNESSES:

July 30, 1940. F. THORNTON. JR 2 209,668

DEVICE FOR VIEWING TRANSPARENCIES 4 Sheets-Shec 2 Filed July 28, 1958 lNVENTOR BY wmozarea ATTORNEY WITNESSES:

July 30, 1940. F. THORNTON, JR 2,209,668

DEVICE FOR VIEWING TRANSPARENCIES I Filed July 28, 1938 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 v 47 WITNESSES: INVENTOR 5 ZZZ/7 6 Zrfi/fi/Zf? ATTORNEY F. THORNTON. JR 2.209568 DEVICE FOR VIEWING TRAN SPARENCIES July 30, 1940.

Filed July 28, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 w INVENTOR fl w m ,70/12 7:3 34? BY 7 MM {2 ATTORNEY V Patented July 30, 1940 UNITED STATES OFFICE DEVICE FOR. VIEWING. TRANSFARENCIES Frank Thornton, In, Pittsburgh, Pa. Application July 28, weasel-m1 No. 221,865

6 Claims. (01.40-159) My invention relates to transparencies, and it has particular relation to the convenient viewing thereof.

Sources of light that are usually available are seldom satisfactory when a transparency is held before them for viewing because the outline of the light source is visible through the transparency. One object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a uniformly illuminated light source properly located behind the transparency so as to give as near to the natural illumination of the picture as possible.

In the prior art, it has been necessary in viewing transparencies to hold the same up to or against a light source, usually overhead, so that the viewing of a considerable number of such transparencies was both inconvenient and tiring.

A further object of my invention, therefore, is v to provide a relatively simple, convenient and inexpensive but fully effective structure for permitting a full view of a transparency while held or located in position for natural viewing, that is, in accordance with a downward line of vision.

Another object of my invention is to provide a generally wedge-shaped light-responding structure disposed to the rear of the transparency and having the top side open for admitting light, such light-responding structure being self-supporting and its ends collapsible, preferably foldable along a median line, whereby the full effect of the transparency may be readily obtained by holding it in a normal position below the eyes, and when it is desired to put the transparency away, such light-responding structure may be folded to lie flat, thus permitting satisfactory packing or stacking.

A further object of my invention is to provide a light-responding structure of the type set forth composed of a relatively stiff fibrous material, such as heavy paper, capable of standing repeated folding and unfolding for the purposes set forth.

Another object of my invention is to provide a light-responding structure of the type in question constituting a single member of such fibrous material.

Other objects of my invention will become evident from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation and Fig. 2 a view in side elevation of one form of my invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view, taken from above, of the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

. Fig.4 is a view in rear elevation of the structure, with the parts flattened against each other;

Fig'. 5 is a developed view or pattern of the in'Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 6 is a view in front elevation of a modified form of my invention;

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are views corresponding to Figs. .5 3, 4 and 5 of thefirst form of my invention;

perspective view thereof; vFig. 16 is a view in rear elevation of the structure shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the light-responding structure being in its open position;

Fig. 17 is a view in rear elevation of the device shown in Figs. 14 and 15, with the parts flattened againsteach other;

Fig. 18 is a View in front elevation of another form of my invention, Fig. 19 being a view in side elevation thereof and Fig. 20 a perspective View thereof;

Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 are views in rear elevation corresponding to the open and closed condition of the device shown in Figs. 19 and 20; and

Fig. 23 is a View of a further form of my invention adapted to be combined with a picture album.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the structure there showncomprises a suitable transparency I associated with a suitable mounting structure 2 and provided with my light-responsive structure 3, which is generally wedge-shaped with an open side at the top to admit light, and the rear face wedge-shapedlight-responding structure shown I acting to reflect or transmit light forwardly to .front and a rear sheet 5 and 5a, respectively,

which are preferably held together by rubber cement and are provided with a substantially square central opening for receiving the transparency I, the edges of which are held between the two sheets 5 and 5a by such cement. If desired, an ornamental rectangle 4 constituting lines or indentations may be provided around the central opening.

The light-responding structure 3 is made from a sheet of the form shown in Fig. 5 which embodies a relatively square rear surface 6 which is located opposite the transparency I, two triangular side portions I and 8 respectively provided with flaps or tabs 9 and I0, a further flap II being provided at the bottom of the rear portion 6, and the triangular side members I and 8 being collapsible or foldable along median lines I2. and: I3, respectively, .these lines intersecting 2 and 3.

The light-responding structure 3 is assembled on the mounting structure 2, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, having the flaps 9, I and II held in place, preferably by rubber cement, around the transparency I. It will be noted that the front side or the side of the light-responding structure next to the transparency is partially open in order not to obstruct the transmission of light to the rear side of the transparency, it being understood that various other means may be provided for aflixing the light-responding structure to the mounting structure, as shown, for example, in succeeding figures.

I have used the term light-responding as applicable to structure 3, inasmuch as the material preferably employed therein is translucent, so that light from above may pass through the open top face and be reflected from the front side of surface 6 toward the transparency or transmitted directly through the face 6 from a light source in the rear thereof.

One of the preferred materials for the lightresponding structure is a relatively stiff paper, such as Hercules ledger (32 lbs. per ream) having a matte surface. The material may also comprise a cloth-lined cover paper. A light-responding structure 3 made from these and similar papers will not only provide good light reflection or transmission, but will also stand repeated bending along the median lines I2 and I3, and may readily be flipped into open position.

I desire it to be understood that opaque paper could also be employed insofar as light-reflecting purposes are concerned, but this would not be as convenient in assemblingthe parts as a translucent paper, since the device, when being assembled, may be held over an electric lamp or its reflection in a mirror and the parts may be thus readily alined and properly assembled.

When it is desired to View the transparency I, the light-responding structure 3 is opened out into its position shown in Figs. 2 and 3, which may be readily done with the fingers of one hand, and the entire device is then held in a normal position below the eyes for easy and convenicnt'viewing. The light transmitted from the rear surface 3 brings out the full beauty and scope of the picture with no shadows or other undesirable features, so that a considerable number of transparencies may thus be readily viewed and properly enjoyed without the viewing becoming inconvenient or tiresome, as has been the case in holding transparencies over ones head in order to view them against a light.

It will also be appreciated that, on account of the relatively stiff paper that is used in the lightresponding structure, the device may be properly viewed when laid on its back, as the structure 3 is self-sustaining or self-supporting and will likewise readily support the weight of the transparency and its mounting.

When it is desired to stack or pack the device, it is merely necessary to fold the triangular ends of the structure 3 preferably inwardly, as shown in Fig. 4, whereupon the structure 3 may be flattened against the mounting 2 and the device may thus be readily stacked or packed.

Figs. 6 to 9, inclusive, show a different type of light-responding structure I'I, comprising a front face I8 having an internal aperture I9 to be located opposite the transparency I, a rear lightreflecting surface 20, and triangular side members 2I .and .22 provided with flaps 23 and 24,

the apex of the wedge, as is clearly shown in Figs.

respectively, and also with folds 25 and 26 along their median lines.

The light-responding structure I1 is assembled as shown in Fig. 7 with the apertured front portion I8 aifixed preferably with rubber cement to the single mounting structure or plate I6, the flaps 23 and 24 being secured over the edges of the rear sheet 20, whereby a wedge-shaped lightresponding structure similar to that shown in the preceding figures is provided, being again foldable along the median lines 25 and 26 (to lie flat, as shown in Fig. 8) and being made of one piece of material and requiring only a single sheet I6 for the mounting structure, as the inner edges of front sheet I8 of the light-responding structure I! may be employed for holding down the edges of the transparency I.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 show a third form of lightresponding structure 30 embodying a front face 3| having an aperture 32 and a rear face 33, the front face 3! being provided with half portions 34 and 35 of the triangular sides of the device and the rear sheet 33 being likewise provided with the complementary half portions 36 and 31, together The lines designated as the parts are assembled into the wedge-shaped structure shown in Fig. 10, the flaps 38 and 39 are affixed in position, preferably with rubber cement, and the same light-responding action is provided as in the case of the previously described two forms. In this case, the folds occur along the median lines 40 and 4I which do not interfere with the flaps, since the latter constitute parts that extend beyond such median lines.

It will be notedthat the pattern shown in Fig..l2 will be more economical of paper when a number are made than the pattern shown in Fig. 9, the final results being the same in both cases.

In Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive, a further form of my invention is shown comprising a metal frame 44 and a mounting for the transparency I, which mounting may comprise a front sheet or mat 45, a rear sheet Mi and a relatively thick cardboard border or frame 4'! for a purpose to be described.

The light-responding structure is preferably of a simple formcomprising a rear light-reflecting surface 48, sides "59 and being foldable along lines such as5I and being provided with suitable flaps or tabs 52 that extend outwardly away from the transparency I.

In addition, in this form of my invention, I provide side members ordoors 53 and 55, located'outside of the light-responding structure, which may be held in position by suitable flexible hinges 54 near the outer edges of the apparatus. Themembers 53 and 55 are preferably of the same thickness and cut from the same material as border 41.

When the device is in its open position, as shown in Figs. 14, 15 and 16, for example, the device maybe stood up in a rearwardly tilted position by reason of the provision of the side members 53 and 55, and the desired convenient vi'ewingof the transparency may thus be effected without it being required to hold the transparency in ones hands.

However, when it is desired to stack or pack the device, the light-responding structure may be folded along the lines 5!, thus being flattened against the transparency and its mounting, and the side members 53 and 55 may then be folded together, meeting at a central line 56, as shown in Fig. 17. The side members 53 and 55, being preferably of substantially the same thickness as the border parts 41 and of the same size as the aperture in the border, substantially fully occupy the space within the border between the transparency and its mounting and the frame or, in other words, a relatively smooth rear surface is provided, when the device occupies its closed position, as shown in Fig. 17.

In the form of my invention shown in Figs. 18 to 22, inclusive, I have provided my lightresponding structure 58 in conjunction with an easel type of frame 60 which may comprise a front mat or mounting 6| around the transparency I, an outer mat or mounting 62 which is folded at the top and bottom to provide an apertured sheet 63 having a slit 66 therein near the bottom and a lower sheet 64 having a tongue 65 thereon. On account of the provision of a large aperture 6'! extending downwardly from the top of the rear member 63, the light-responding structure 68 may occupy its normal open position without interfering with the part 63, and at the same time, by inserting the tongue 65 through the slit 66, the device may occupy its usual rearwardly tilted position on a table, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 19. In this way, the transparency I may be readily viewed again without requiring it being held in the hand.

The light-responding structure 68 is provided with the median folding lines 69 and 70, so that, when desired for packing or stacking, the lightresponding structure may be flattened against the transparency and its mounting, as indicated in Fig. 22, and the rear supports 63 and 64 may be disengaged and also folded inwardly to occupy a flattened position, as likewise indicated in Fig. 22.

The application of my'invention to a picture album is illustrated in Fig. 23, which shows any suitable album 66 with a transparency mounted on a structure 2, for example, and backed by a light-responding structure, such as I! of Fig. 7, the rear face of which is affixed by rubber cement, for example, to the corresponding page H of the album.

As the pages of the album are turned over, the transparency may be readily flipped to the position shown in Fig. 23, which permits a ready and enjoyable viewing of the transparency, and then, as the page is turned over, the sides of the lightresponding structure may be folded inwardly so that the pages and their contents will lie relatively flat throughout the book.

It will be seen, therefore, that I have provided a relatively simple and inexpensive one-piece light-responding structure which is adapted to be employed in various forms for the convenient and enjoyable showing of transparencies.

I do not wish to be restricted to the specific structural details or arrangement of parts shown in the drawings, as various further modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be imposed thereon as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. The combination with a transparency and a mounting structure therefor, of a generally wedge-shaped light-responding structure disposed on said mounting structure opposite the transparency, said light-responding structure having the side next to the transparency at least partially open to permit unobstructed light to pass from the opposite side to the transparency, and also having an adjacent side open for admitting light, said light-responding structure being composed of translucent material thereby to permit viewing of said transparency either by light admitted through said open side and reflected from said opposite side or by light passing through said opposite side.

2. The combination with a transparency and a mounting structure therefor, of a generally wedge-shaped light-responding structure disposed on said mounting structure opposite the transparency, said light-responding structure having the side next to the transparency at least partially open to permit unobstructed light to pass from the opposite side to the transparency, and also having an adjacent side open for admitting light, said light-responding structure constituting a single member of translucent fibrous material thereby to permit viewing of said transparency either by light admitted through said open side and reflected from said opposite side or by light passing through said opposite side.

3. A background structure adapted to be attached to a transparency mount, comprising a sheet having a substantially rectangular central portion, an attaching portion at one side thereof and substantially triangular extensions at its ends With medial fold lines, said central portion having a light-diffusing and reflecting surface.

4. A background structure adapted to be attached to a transparency mount, comprising a sheet having a substantially rectangular central portion, an attaching portion at one side thereof, substantially triangular extensions at its ends with medial fold lines, and attaching flaps at the outer edges adjacent to said attaching portion, said central portion having a light-diffusing and reflecting surface,

5. A background structure having foldable substantially triangular end walls adapted to be attached to the back of a transparency mount, the side adjacent said transparency being open and the side opposite said transparency being disposed between and attached to both end walls and having a light-dfiusing and reflecting surface, said end walls and opposite side folding flat against the mount when not in use, and said surface diffusing and reflecting light opposite the transparency when the background is opened by straightening out said end walls.

6. A background structure having medially foldable substantially triangular end walls adapted to be attached to the back of a transparency mount, the side opposite said transparency being substantially rectangular in shape and having its opposite sides attached to the respective end walls and also having a light-diffusing and reflecting surface, said end walls and opposite side folding flat against the mount when not in use, and said surface diffusing and reflecting light opposite the transparency when the background is opened by straightening out said end walls. I

FRANK THORNTON, JR. 

